Meaning of bumper in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Classifying Adjective
    1. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈbəmpər/

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    UK accent

  1. Classifying Adjective

    bumper

    Definitions

    1. extraordinarily abundant

    Examples

    • « a bumper crop »

    Synonyms

  2. Noun

    bumper

    Etymology

    early 17th century (in the sense ‘person or thing that bumps something’): from bump + -er. bumper (sense 4 of the noun) derives from the earlier form bumping, meaning ‘very large, great’, and is the source of the adjective meaning ‘exceptionally large, fine, or successful’, as in a bumper year. bumper (sense 3 of the noun) is said to be from an earlier racing term meaning ‘amateur rider’

    Definitions

    1. a glass filled to the brim (especially as a toast)

    Examples

    • « we quaffed a bumper of ale »
  3. 2. a mechanical device consisting of bars at either end of a vehicle to absorb shock and prevent serious damage

    Derived terms

Famous quotes

  • « President Obama's version of America is a divided one - pitting us against each other based on our income level, gender, and social status. His policies have failed! We are not better off than we were 4 years ago, and no rhetoric, bumper sticker, or campaign ad can change that. »
    Mia Love
  • « Together we will build an America where hope is a new job with a paycheck, not a faded word on an old bumper sticker. »
    Mitt Romney
  • « We have an uncanny ability to make birds do what we want them to do. In Blood Simple there's a shot from the bumper of a car and it's going up this road and a huge flock of birds takes off at the perfect moment. »
    Joel Coen
  • « There are a lot of things that fit on a bumper sticker in terms of either liberty or equality or progress that when made more concrete just don't pan out. »
    Laurence Tribe

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